United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the external debt of developing countries with Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) loans nearly doubled and their economic growth was slower than that for non-ESAF developing countries; (2) poor countries should no longer have to go through years of harsh International Monetary Fund (IMF)-imposed policies; (3) it should be U.S. policy to oppose gold sales to fund the IMF's ESAF program; and (4) any proceeds from the sale or other conversion of IMF gold stocks should go directly to cancel debts owed to the IMF and not to programs controlled by the IMF or the World Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Secret Evidence Repeal Act of 1999 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to repeal alien terrorist removal provisions (title V). (Sec. 4) Entitles an alien in a removal proceeding to examine all evidence and admissibility records. (Current law excludes national security information and confidential information.) (Sec. 5) Prohibits the use of secret evidence in an application for immigration benefits (including withholding of deportation or removal, or granting of asylum, temporary protected status, status adjustment, or naturalization). (Sec. 6) Entitles an alien subject to arrest and detention for removal or deportation to: (1) judicial review; and (2) non-federally provided counsel and access to all evidence. (Sec. 7) Exempts an alien who is a lawful permanent resident, parolee, or asylee from the security and related removal provisions. (Such provisions provide for limited hearings and use of nondisclosed information.) (Sec. 8) Provides for transitional application of information access provisions to alien detainees and aliens seeking immigration benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Bear Protection Act of 1999 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State to discuss issues involving such trade with the appropriate representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Can Spam Act - Prohibits any person from using equipment of an electronic mail (e-mail) service provider, or causing such equipment to be used, for transmission of unsolicited commercial e- mail in violation of a posted policy of such provider. Authorizes the provider to bring a civil action for violations, with appropriate relief. Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties upon any individual who knowingly and without authorization uses the Internet domain name of another person in connection with the sending of e-mail messages and, as a result of such conduct, causes damage to a computer or a computer system or network.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act of 1999 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency; and (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline to be extended for an additional two years if enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Sets forth criteria for such review. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2002, the duty on benzoic acid, 3- methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3, 5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethyl ethyl) hydrazide (methoxyfenozide).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2002, the duty on acetic acid, ((1- ((dimethylamino) carbonyl)-3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5- yl)thio)-,ethyl ester (triazamate).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2002, the duty on alpha-(2-(4- chlorophenyl)-ethyl)-alpha-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile (fenbuconazole).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Requires any amounts appropriated for a representational allowance for a Member of the House of Representatives which remain after all payments are made under such allowance to be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction or, in fiscal years for which there is no Federal budget deficit, to reduce the Federal debt.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
United States-Flag Merchant Marine Revitalization Act of 1999 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to add to the list of vessels for which a capital construction fund may be established vessels that are for operation in oceangoing domestic trade between two coastal points in the United States or in support of operations conducted on the Outer Continental Shelf. Redefines "eligible vessel" to eliminate references to being constructed or reconstructed in the United States. Revises the definition of "qualified vessel" to: (1) add references to such trade and operations; and (2) mandate an agreement with the Secretary of Commerce. (Current law mandates an agreement with the Secretary of Commerce regarding fisheries vessels and with the Secretary of Transportation regarding all other vessels.) Removes the definition of "noncontiguous trade." Removes references to containers from provisions requiring that, in order for a withdrawal for a barge or container to be a qualified withdrawal (and except to the extent provided in regulations), the barge or container must have been constructed in the United States. Adds containers and trailers that are part of an eligible vessel's complement to the definition of "vessel." Defines "foreign commerce" and "foreign trade." Adds as qualified withdrawals from such funds payments that reduce the principal amount of a qualified lease of a qualified vessel or container that is part of an eligible vessel's complement. Adds references to payments to reduce the principal amount of any qualified lease to provisions regulating the tax treatment of qualified withdrawals. Defines "qualified lease" as any lease with a term of at least five years. Adds the amount elected for deposit under specified provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to the list of amounts, the sum of which is the limit on deposits to a fund in any taxable year. Includes that amount in the capital account. Allows deposits in excess of the limit if a change in taxable income for a prior taxable year is such that a deposit could have been made for that prior year. Modifies: (1) the contents of the capital gain and ordinary income accounts; (2) the tax treatment of nonqualified withdrawals from the capital gain account; (3) requirements regarding the tax rate on nonqualified withdrawals; and (4) requirements regarding unqualified withdrawal interest payable under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Allows amounts in such funds to be invested in income-producing assets (including accounts receivable) approved by the Secretaries of Commerce (for fishing vessels) or Transportation (for all other vessels). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deem withdrawals qualified if they are for payments that reduce the principal of a qualified lease of a qualified vessel or container that is part of an eligible vessel's complement. Allows, if a qualified withdrawal is made from the ordinary income or capital gain accounts and used to reduce such principal, a reduction in the basis of vessels, barges, and containers owned by the person maintaining the fund. Adds the amount elected for deposit under specified provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to the list of amounts, the sum of which is the limit on deposits to a fund in any taxable year. Modifies the contents of the capital account. Allows deposits in excess of the limit if a change in taxable income for a prior taxable year is such that a deposit could have been made for that prior year. Modifies: (1) the contents of the capital gain and ordinary income accounts; (2) the tax treatment of nonqualified withdrawals from the capital gain account; (3) requirements regarding the tax rate on nonqualified withdrawals; and (4) requirements regarding unqualified withdrawal interest payable under specified provisions of the Code. Allows amounts in such funds to be invested in income-producing assets (including accounts receivable) approved by the Secretaries of Commerce (for fishing vessels) or Transportation (for all other vessels). Modifies requirements regarding qualified withdrawals and containers that are part of the complement of a qualified vessel. Links definitions in related provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to definitions in related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Removes provisions relating to marine capital construction funds from provisions regarding the determination of the alternative minimum taxable income of a corporation. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to allow the owner or master of a vessel, documented under U.S. laws to engage in foreign or coasting trade, that has purchased equipment or repairs in a foreign country to deposit the ad valorem duty on the value of the equipment or repairs in a capital construction fund rather than paying them to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require, for the five-year period beginning after September 30, 1999, the treasury of Puerto Rico to make a Conservation Trust Fund transfer within 30 days from the date of each cover over payment made during such period to such treasury under provisions of the Code concerning shipments to the United States. Defines terms.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the current dollar limitation on the deduction for interest on educational loans provision and replace it with a limitation on such deduction based on modified adjusted gross income. Repeals the 60-month limitation period on the allowance of the interest deduction on such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) formal commitments the Palestinian Authority has made to combat terrorism; (2) terrorist attacks that have occurred, between October 1, 1992, and the date of the report, against Israeli or U.S. citizens in Israel, in territory administered by Israel, or in territory administered by the Palestinian Authority; and (3) certain information on the suspects who have been implicated in such attacks and detained by Palestinian or Israeli authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Timber Tax Simplification Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the application of capital gain treatment to outright sales of timber whether or not the owner retains economic interest.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Exploration of the Seas Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to establish a Coordinated Oceanography Program Advisory Panel to report to the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the feasibility and social value of a coordinated oceanography program. Directs the Panel to convene an international workshop with participation from interested nations and a broad range of persons representing scientists, engineers, policy makers, regulators, industry, and other interested parties to assist it in making its feasibility determination. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for research and development activities of the following departments and agencies in connection with the High-Performance Computing Program (establishing goals and priorities for, and engaging in, Federal high-performance computing research, development, networking, and related activities): (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF); (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (3) the Department of Energy; (4) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (5) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (6) the Environmental Protection Agency. Earmarks specified amounts of such authorized funds for: (1) long-term basic research on networking and information technology, including grants for information technology research centers; (2) grants for the development of major research equipment; and (3) information technology internship grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 for support by such departments and agencies of the Next Generation Internet Program (research, development, and demonstration of advanced networking technologies to increase Internet capabilities and performance). Requires a previously-established advisory committee on high-performance computing to: (1) conduct periodic evaluations of high-performance computing and networking and information technology research and development programs; and (2) report at least once every two fiscal years to specified congressional committees on its findings and recommendations. Directs the NSF to study and report to Congress comparing the availability of encryption technologies in foreign countries to such technologies subject to export restrictions in the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent a credit allowed for increased research activities as compared to the prior taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
State Responsible Alcohol Access Enforcement Act - Amends the Webb-Kenyon Act and provisions of the Liquor Law Repeal and Enforcement Act to authorize any State, the District of Columbia, any U.S. territory, and any place noncontiguous to but subject to U.S. jurisdiction to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. district court (or in the case of a place outside the United States, in an appropriate court of Federal jurisdiction) to enjoin the shipment or transportation of liquor in violation of either Act or to enforce the laws of such State, District, territory, or place with respect to such shipment or transportation. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study to determine if it needs additional authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act to regulate the sale, marketing, and advertising of alcoholic beverages in commerce through all forms of remote commerce. Directs that such study include an examination of the current state of alcoholic beverage retailing through all forms of remote commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Small Employer Tax Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), with respect to small businesses, to: (1) advance, from calendar year 2007 to taxable years beginning after enactment, the 100 percent deduction for the health insurance costs of the self-employed; (2) increase the meal and entertainment deduction; (3) increase the aggregate amount of depreciable business assets which may be expensed annually to $35,000; (4) reduce the maximum tax rate; (5) advance, from calendar year 2008 to taxable years beginning after enactment, the six percent tax rate under chapter 23 (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) of the IRC; and (6) permit the use of the cash accounting method.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Reform and Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify and permanently extend the work opportunity credit. Provides that the amount equal to the work opportunity credit amount with respect to any wages paid by an eligible tax-exempt employer shall be treated as a payment by such employer of such employer's employment tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the wetland reserve program. Replaces the total program acreage limitation with an annual enrollment limitation through FY 2005. Includes within eligible program land non-wetland areas that would substantially contribute to North American Waterfowl Management Plan habitat objectives. Authorizes program related cooperative agreements for goods and services.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Lebanon Independence Restoration Act of 1999 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should not support or participate in any peace agreement between Syria and Israel that does not provide for the full and verifiable withdrawal of Syrian military, intelligence, and security forces and their proxies from Lebanon. Withdraws nondiscriminatory (most-favored- nation) treatment from the products of Syria and Lebanon. Authorizes the President to restore nondiscriminatory treatment of the products of: (1) Lebanon after certifying to Congress that the Syrian military, security, and intelligence forces and their proxies there have completely withdrawn and that Lebanon's Government has been democratically and freely elected; and (2) Syria after certifying to Congress that such withdrawal has taken place and the Syrian Government has been democratically and freely elected. Prohibits, unless the requirements of this Act have been met, the provision of: (1) economic assistance to Syria or Lebanon; or (2) military assistance to Lebanon. Expresses the sense of Congress that any assistance so prohibited should be redirected for humanitarian, democracy building, human rights, and educational efforts in Lebanon. Directs the President to instruct the U.S. representative to each international financial institution to vote to oppose the initiation or renewal of any loan or other form of assistance for Syria or Lebanon unless the requirements of this Act have been met. Requires the Secretary of State, as part of the annual report to Congress concerning the human rights situation in countries proposed to receive security assistance, to pay special attention to the report on Lebanon by including: (1) an assessment of Syrian influence on the Lebanese Government and human rights abuses attributable to such influence; (2) an assessment of the role played by Syrian intelligence services there; (3) progress made by the Lebanese Government in disarming terrorist groups; and (4) specific steps taken by the State Department to affect the withdrawal of Syrian forces and their proxies from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Nuclear Decommissioning Funds Clarification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning, among other things: (1) the limitation on the amounts which may be paid into the Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund; and (2) the deduction allowed for nuclear decommissioning costs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all fire fighters who risk their lives and die in the line of duty should be honored and recognized.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Political Candidate Personal Responsibility Act of 1999 - Prohibits a candidate for public office from receiving the lowest unit charge for advertising on television or radio (offered 45 days before a primary election and 60 days before a general election) unless the candidate certifies that he or she will not make any direct reference to another candidate for the same office, unless: (1) such reference meets requirements of this Act; and (2) a communication which contains such reference also contains a prominently displayed image (television) or the voice (radio) of the candidate during at least 75 percent of the broadcast time. States that a candidate meets the requirements of this Act if: (1) in the case of a television broadcast, the reference is made by the candidate in a personal appearance on the screen; and (2) in the case of a radio broadcast, the reference is made by the candidate in a personal audio statement during which the candidate and the office are identified.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
American People Protection Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, to: (1) produce before or during the year 2001 a prototype interceptor missile for the Navy Theater Wide system, with an interceptor velocity of 4.5 kilometers per second or greater; (2) produce before or during 2002 the first satellite of the Space-Based Infrared Sensors-low system; (3) conduct before or during 2003 an in-flight experiment of the Space-Based laser; and (4) report to Congress describing the specific funding required for all such production and testing.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the unearned income of children attributable to personal injury awards shall not be taxed at the marginal rate of the parents.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Freedom From Mutually Assured Destruction Act of 1999 - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds made available to any executive branch entity, and prohibits any U.S. employee or armed forces member from engaging in any activity, to comply in any manner with the ABM Treaty (between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics signed at Moscow on May 26, 1972) or the Memorandum of Understanding Treaty (entered into in New York City in 1997 between the United States and Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan). Makes all regulations, directives, and other policies of the executive branch designed to achieve compliance with such treaties null and void.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
International Tax Simplification for American Competitiveness Act of 1999 - Title I: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) with respect to subpart F (Controlled Foreign Corporations) to set forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) permanently extend the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operation overseas; (2) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study on the feasibility of treating all countries included in the European Union as a single country for purposes of applying the same country exceptions under subpart F; (3) provide for the determination of subpart F earnings and profits under generally accepted U.S. accounting principles; (4) exclude from the definition of "foreign base company oil related income" the pipeline transportation of oil or gas within such foreign country; and (5) exclude from the definition of the term "foreign base company services income" income derived in connection with the performance of services which are related to the transmission of high voltage electricity. Title II: Provisions Relating to Foreign Tax Credit - Revises section 904 (Limitation On Credit) of the (IRC) to, among other things: (1) extend the period to which excess foreign taxes may be carried; (2) define overall domestic loss and sets forth provisions for determining taxable income for any taxpayer sustaining such a loss; (3) provide an exception for interest on certain securities; (4) revise provisions concerning the of application of look-thru rules to dividends from noncontrolled section 902 corporations to provide, in general, that any dividend from a noncontrolled section 902 corporation with respect to the taxpayer shall be treated as income in a separate category in proportion to the ratio of the portion of earnings and profits attributable to income in such category to the total amount of earnings and profits; (5) repeal the 90 percent limitation on the utilization of the foreign tax credit; and (6) repeals section 907 (Special Rules In Case of Foreign Oil and Gas Income) of the IRC. Title III: Other Provisions - Applies constructive ownership rules for purposes of determining certain post-1986 undistributed U.S. earnings. Applies capitalization rules to nonresident aliens and foreign corporations. Repeals the special rule for military property with respect to exempt foreign trade income. Revises the definition of U.S. property to exclude certain assets acquired by dealers in the ordinary course of business. Exempts from the taxes on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations certain regulated investment company dividends. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit, to exclude from the definition of the term "intangible property" any preliminary agreement which is not legally enforceable. Sets forth provisions concerning airline mileage awards to certain foreign persons. Repeals subpart G (Export Trade Corporations) of part III of subchapter N of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a corporation to report any information with respect to any foreign person which is a related person if the aggregate value of the transactions between the corporation and the related person does not exceed $5 million.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for infant and child health programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that have a direct, measurable, and high impact on reducing the incidence of illness and death among children. Earmarks 25 percent of such funds for programs of U.S.-based, citizen-supported, private voluntary organizations that implement community-based programs. Limits certain funds under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000 for population planning activities or other population assistance, including all programs and activities designed to control fertility or to reduce or delay childbirths or pregnancies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Tax Relief for Working Americans Act of 1999 - Title I: Marriage Penalty Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set the basic standard deduction for married individuals at twice the deduction for unmarried individuals. Title II: Adjustment of Social Security Earning Limit - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase, for any taxable year ending after 1999 and before 2001, the monthly exempt amount for individuals who have attained retirement age. Title III: Incentives for Health and Long-Term Care Coverage - Provides a limited credit for the insurance costs of health and long-term care coverage for previously uninsured individuals and individuals with COBRA continuation coverage. Phases-in a deduction for the health insurance and long-term insurance costs of employees and the self-employed. Allows a limited credit for taxpayers with long-term care needs. Title IV: Expansion of Dependent Care Credit - Increases the percentage of employment-related expenses allowed as a credit. Establishes a limited credit for certain stay-at-home parents. Title V: Alternative Minimum Tax Relief - Provides that the aggregate amount of credits allowed under subpart A (Nonrefundable Personal Credits) of part IV (Credits Against Tax) of the Code shall not exceed the sum of a taxpayer's regular tax liability and the alternative minimum tax. Provides that income averaging for farmers shall not increase alternative minimum tax liability. Title VI: Elimination of 60-Month limit on Student Loan Interest Deduction - Eliminates the 60-month limit on the student loan interest deduction. Title VII: Increase in Low-Income Housing Credit State Ceiling - Increases, and links to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling. Title VIII: Farm and Ranch Risk Management Accounts - Allows an individual engaged in an eligible farming (or ranching) business a deduction (in computing adjusted gross income) for any taxable year of up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to the eligible farming business which was paid in cash by the taxpayer to a Farm and Ranch Risk Management Account (FARRM Account). Includes distributions from a FARRM account in the taxpayer's gross income, and subjects to a special ten percent surtax any distributions not made within five years of contribution. Establishes a tax on excess contributions, but exempts the taxpayer from the tax on certain prohibited transactions. Title IX: Incentives for Urban Revitalization and Open Space - Expands the areas eligible for the expensing of environmental remediation costs from qualified contamination sites within targeted areas only to qualified contamination sites anywhere within the United States. Sets forth provisions concerning the donation of capital gain real property for qualified conservation purposes. Title X: Extension of Expiring Provisions - Permanently extends the: (1) credit for increasing research activities; (2) work opportunity credit; and (3) subpart F exemption for active income financing. Modifies the placed-in-service rules for qualified facilities producing electricity from certain renewable sources. Makes the credit allowed for such production inapplicable to electricity sold to utilities under certain contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Export Enhancement Act of 1999 - Sets forth policy recommendations for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the International Trade Administration (ITA). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend through FY 2003 OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance and guarantees. Revises the purposes of the Trade and Development Agency to include, with respect to the promotion of U.S. private sector participation in development projects in developing and middle-income countries, special emphasis on economic sectors with significant U.S. export potential, such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and environment. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the ITA for its Market Access and Compliance program, Trade Development program, and Commercial Service program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to take steps to ensure the appointment of United States and Foreign Commercial Service employees in no fewer than ten sub-Saharan African countries, including the adequate appointment of personnel for South and Central America and the Caribbean, in order that U.S. businesses are made aware of existing market opportunities for goods and services. Directs the ITA to undertake the Global Diversity and Urban Export Initiative in order to increase exports from minority-owned businesses, focusing on businesses in under-served areas, including inner-city urban enterprise zones. Authorizes the ITA to advertise in newspapers, business journals, and other relevant publications and related media to inform businesses about ITA services. Revises the composition of the OPIC Board of Directors. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to develop a Federal trade promotion plan that, among other things, shall: (1) ensure that all export promotion activities of the U.S. Agency for International Development are fully coordinated and consistent with those of other agencies; (2) identify the means for providing more coordinated export promotion services to small and medium-sized businesses; and (3) establish a set of priorities to promote U.S. exports to, and free market reforms in, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and other emerging markets, that are designed to stimulate job growth both in the United States and those regions and emerging markets. Requires the TPCC to: (1) report on actions taken to eliminate the areas of overlap and duplication identified among Federal export promotion activities; (2) coordinate efforts to sponsor or promote any trade show or trade fair; (3) work with all relevant State and national organizations, including the National Governors' Association, that have established trade promotion offices; and (4) report to Congress on actions taken to promote better coordination among State, Federal, and private sector export promotion activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Two Strikes and You're Out Child Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for mandatory life imprisonment (unless a death sentence is imposed) of a person convicted of a Federal sex offense in which a minor is the victim if the person has a prior sex conviction in which a minor was the victim.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Harold Hughes-Bill Emerson Substance Abuse Treatment Parity Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for parity in the application of treatment limitations and financial requirements to substance abuse treatment benefits under group health plans and individual health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Children's Lead Screening Accountability For Early-Intervention Act of 1999 or Children's Lead SAFE Act- Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State Medicaid plans to provide for reporting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of the number of children who: (1) are under age three and enrolled in the State plan; and (2) have received a blood lead screening test. Requires each contract between the State and an entity responsible for provision of medical assistance under the State plan to provide for: (1) compliance with mandatory blood lead screening requirements consistent with prevailing guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for such screening; and (2) coverage of qualified lead treatment services. Allows reimbursement for qualified lead treatment services for children with elevated blood lead levels. Provides for enhanced Federal matching contributions for an information retrieval system that determines whether a child is enrolled under a State plan and whether an enrolled child has received mandatory early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Head Start Act to mandate blood lead poisoning screening tests for an infant or child to be eligible to participate in either the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) or early Head Start and Head Start programs. Amends SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) to mandate CHIP coverage for blood lead poisoning screening tests for children Amends the Public Health Service Act and SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) with regard to grants for lead poisoning related activities. Authorizes appropriations. Imposes specified requirements on the CDC Director, including that the Director offer various assistance to the States with regard to children and lead poisoning. Authorizes appropriations. Outlines provisions for training and congressional reports with regard to HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration and childhood lead poisoning and blood lead screening tests. Mandates a CDC bonus program to improve the blood lead screening rates of States for children under age three enrolled in Medicaid. Details program particulars. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Automobile Emissions Information Act of 1999 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require fuel economy labels for new automobiles to contain an air pollutant emissions index number representing the composite level of controlled emissions (including the range of the air pollutant emissions index numbers of comparable automobiles of all manufacturers) for such automobile. Authorizes a State to enforce its laws or regulations on disclosure of air pollutant emissions for an automobile only if such law or regulation is identical to the Federal disclosure requirements on such emissions. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to calculate, provide to the manufacturer, and publish for each model of automobile and for each model year an air pollutant emissions index number representing the composite level of emissions for such automobile. Provides a waiver to States with respect to Federal pollutant emission disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Small Business and Financial Institutions Tax Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit S corporation eligible shareholders to include individual retirement accounts (IRAs). (Sec. 2) Exempts from prohibited transaction rules any sale of stock in an IRA pursuant to a small business corporation's election to be an S corporation. (Sec. 3) Excludes from the definition of passive income for purposes of S status termination any interest income earned by or dividends on assets required to be held by a bank, a bank holding company, or a qualified subchapter S subsidiary bank. (Sec. 4) Increases from 75 to 150 the maximum number of shareholders a small business organization may have to be eligible to elect S corporation treatment. (Sec. 5) States that stock held by a bank director as required by banking regulations (director qualifying stock) shall not be considered a disqualifying second class of S corporation stock. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify a certain regulation to permit an S corporation bank to treat certain bad debt deductions as built-in losses during the entire period during which the bank recognized built-in gains from changing its accounting method for recognizing bad debts from the reserve method to the charge-off method. (Sec. 7) Includes all banks within the three-year deduction preference rule. (Sec. 8) Makes family limited partnerships eligible to be S corporation shareholders. (Sec. 9) Permits the issuance of qualified preferred stock, which shall not be treated as second class stock. Makes any distribution (not in payment in exchange for stock) made by an S corporation with respect to qualified preferred stock includible as ordinary income of the holder and deductible to the corporation as an expense. (Sec. 10) Reduces from 100 percent to 90 percent the percentage of shares held by shareholders necessary for consent to election by a small business organization to be an S corporation. Prescribes rules for such consent. (Sec. 11) Revises exceptions to the criteria for the treatment of certain wholly owned subchapter S subsidiaries with reference to required information returns.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Freedom of Passport Information Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of State to provide to the public free of charge a U.S. passport information telephone inquiry service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Establishes the Fort Presque Isle National Historic Site in Erie, Pennsylvania, as a unit of the National Park System. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in administering the site, to acquire by donation, exchange, or purchase any lands or interests necessary to allow for the site's interpretation, preservation, or restoration. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the site.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the U.S.S. New Jersey and all those who served aboard her.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Calls for the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring the U.S. Submarine Force on its 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Father Theodore M. Hesburgh Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal to Father Theodore M. Hesburgh in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to civil rights, higher education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global community. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Bring Them Home Alive Act of 1999 - Directs the Attorney General to grant refugee status in the United States to any alien (and the parent, spouse, and child of such) who: (1) is a national of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and (2) personally delivers into U.S. custody a living American Vietnam War POW or MIA. Requires the granting of the same status to any alien (and parent, spouse, and child) who is a national of North Korea, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union and who personally delivers a living American Korean War POW or MIA. Directs the International Broadcasting Bureau to broadcast to such foreign countries information that promotes such refugee programs. Requires: (1) a minimum level of such broadcasting; and (2) the Bureau to ensure that such information is made available on the Internet. Expresses the sense of the Congress that RFE-RL, Inc., Radio Free Asia, and any other recipient of Federal grants that broadcasts to such countries should also broadcast such information.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Jennifer's Law - Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grant awards to enable States to improve the reporting of unidentified and missing persons. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Amends Federal law to require the Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first class mail that is up to 25 percent higher than the regular rate as a voluntary alternative that the public may use to contribute to funding for Alzheimer's disease research. Requires payment of collected amounts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Expresses the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) cause a net decrease in total funds received by NIH below the level that would have otherwise been received but for this Act's enactment; or (2) affect first-class or other regular postage rates.
![Official portrait of Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000187_200.jpg)